In a nation where statutory leave allowances lag behind much of Europe, UK workers have long found creative ways to make the most of their limited holiday days. With just 28 days of annual leave entitlement for full-time workers, including bank holidays, it’s no surprise that many are seeking inventive strategies to stretch out their precious time off.
One such strategy gaining traction is ‘leave stacking’—a simple but effective method of maximising holiday time by booking annual leave around bank holidays and weekends. With some clever planning, workers in England and Wales can turn 28 days of leave into an impressive 58 consecutive days off in 2025. It’s not magic, nor does it defy the laws of time; it’s simply a matter of careful calculation.
The Bank Holidays of 2025: England and Wales
The foundation of leave stacking lies in understanding the bank holiday calendar and booking leave around these key dates. In 2025, the following bank holidays are scheduled for England and Wales:
- New Year’s Day – Wednesday, 1st January 2025
- Good Friday – Friday, 18th April 2025
- Easter Monday – Monday, 21st April 2025
- Early May Bank Holiday – Monday, 5th May 2025
- Spring Bank Holiday – Monday, 26th May 2025
- Summer Bank Holiday – Monday, 25th August 2025
- Christmas Day – Thursday, 25th December 2025
- Boxing Day – Friday, 26th December 2025
These eight public holidays form the backbone of the leave stacking strategy, enabling workers to use fewer annual leave days for longer periods of consecutive time off.
How to Unlock 58 Days Off Using Just 28 Days of Leave
The key to maximising holiday time is booking annual leave strategically around these bank holidays. Here’s how savvy employees can make it work in their favour:
- New Year’s Break
Book 2nd and 3rd January 2025.
By booking just two days of annual leave, workers can enjoy five consecutive days off around the New Year, thanks to the combination of the weekend and New Year’s Day. - Easter Holiday
Book 14th to 17th April and 22nd to 25th April 2025.
By taking eight days of annual leave during the Easter period, workers can enjoy 16 days off in a row. This window includes two bank holidays—Good Friday and Easter Monday—allowing for an extended break without sacrificing too many leave days. - Early May Bank Holiday
Book 6th to 9th May 2025.
The Early May Bank Holiday falls on Monday, 5th May, so by booking the remaining four days of the week, workers can enjoy nine consecutive days off from Saturday to the following Sunday. - Spring Bank Holiday
Book 27th to 30th May 2025.
In a similar fashion, booking four days off around the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, 26th May, grants another nine consecutive days off. - Summer Break
Book 26th to 29th August 2025.
The Summer Bank Holiday on Monday, 25th August, provides a perfect opportunity for another extended break. By booking four more days, workers can take a full nine-day holiday. - Christmas and New Year
Book 22nd to 24th December and 29th to 31st December 2025.
Finally, with Christmas Day and Boxing Day falling on Thursday and Friday, booking the days leading up to Christmas and the days after the festive weekend results in 13 days off to end the year, using just six days of annual leave.
In total, by carefully stacking leave around these bank holidays, workers can enjoy up to 58 days of holiday, while only using 28 days of their annual leave allowance.
Growing Popularity of Leave Stacking
Phil Norton, the founder of online leave planner Leave Dates, has seen a sharp rise in interest around leave stacking strategies. Leave Dates, an HR tool designed to manage leave and absence for SMEs, processes hundreds of thousands of leave requests each year.
“Those who are savvy about leave stacking tend to submit their leave requests up to six months in advance,” Norton explained. “Our data shows very high competition for days off around bank holidays, and it’s clear that more and more people are catching onto the benefits of stacking leave to maximise time off.”
Norton noted that it’s not just individuals who benefit from these strategies. Businesses are also using tools like Leave Dates to plan and manage employee absence in a way that minimises disruption. “With the right system in place, leave stacking can work well for both employees and employers. It allows workers to recharge with meaningful time off, while businesses can ensure they maintain appropriate staffing levels.”
Changing Attitudes Towards Time Off
As more workers embrace leave stacking, it reflects a broader trend towards valuing work-life balance. With increased pressure in the workplace and the growing importance of mental health, employees are looking for ways to take longer breaks without exhausting their leave allowance.
The practice of stacking leave not only provides the opportunity for extended holidays but also aligns with the modern approach to work. Many people now prioritise flexibility and time away from work, recognising the importance of disconnecting to maintain productivity and overall well-being.
About Leave Dates
Founded in 2019, Leave Dates provides a modern solution to managing leave and absence for SMEs in the UK and globally. Available on desktop, mobile, and tablet, the platform is designed to offer businesses an easy-to-use and flexible leave management tool. Whether for a small team or a larger workforce, Leave Dates simplifies the process of booking time off, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their holidays with minimal hassle.
As 2025 approaches, leave stacking is likely to become even more popular. For those looking to make the most of their holiday time, careful planning and a bit of foresight can go a long way.
